Basketball camp

James had a week of Basketball camp in July. I was very glad that he was willing to try. So far he's been more of an individual sport kid, so this was his first big kid team sport. (He did t-ball as a 4 year old but he probably doesn't remember that!)

Half days for one week. I would come to pick him up each day and he'd excitedly show me how he can run and dribble, how he can pass the ball, etc.

 

On the second day he was noticeably sweaty and tired! But so handsome :)

He received this bright tshirt and his very own Skyhawks b-ball!

 

 

On the third day I found them doing lay ups.

 

 

Group ending.

 

Parents were invited on the last day to watch them play "a game". His age level didn't play a game but really just practiced their drills. The other (older) groups were actually playing against each other.

I still cheered and supported James.

 

 

There was a tense moment when james' partner refused to do the drills with him. I was able to figure out from a distance it was because they both wanted to use their balls for their partnering. They ended up doing Rock Paper Scissors to find a compromise.

 

Back in business.

 

At the very end there was an awards ceremony. The kids clasped hands and made this bridge. James was the first one through and he was thrilled!

 

 

All week long we heard about Coach Buddy. At the end of each day I did see the extra support she was giving him. I asked James if we should get her a thank you gift. He immediately said "orange flowers!" I thought that could be difficult so red flowers were the second option.

I did find some and I brought them on the last day. James was ready to give them to Coach Buddy.

It was so sweet! First girl (besides his Mom) to get flowers from James!

 

 

 

And guess what? Coach Buddy told us that she just was hired at Woodcrest as the new gym teacher! I guess James has an automatic "A" now!

 

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Just like kids themselves

We went to lunch at Grandma Rose and Grandpa Larry's house and the water guns came out.

 

It was a leisurely fun day!

 

 

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Drew

Another friend! Cruisin' the 'hood in the Escalade.

 

Drew lives directly across the street. They had the amazing fireworks on the 4th of July. They've lived there for quite a few years too and we've often called them "the hockey family". They have two (or three?) older boys who are ALWAYS playing street hockey or going to hockey practice. It's hard to not see their love of hockey.

So Drew is about 6. We hadn't seen too much of him until this summer. Now that James and Drew are acquainted, we see Drew outside all the time now. He clearly admires James and his Nerf collection and he's always eager to set up battle bases on either our deck or in the side yard with James. They play so well together! He's obviously a good little kid. #momapproved

 

 

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Cooking lesson #4: Brownies

 

 

 

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4th of July 2014

The new friends just kept happening. James made another new friend, this time across the street. Chris! He shares James' love of Nerf, Minecraft, and Pokemon.

We were pleased to accept a daytime invitation for a waterfight! Chris' mom set up some water balloons and we all brought over whatever water guns we had and then there was a great battle!

I sat on the front steps with the other Moms and had a front row seat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later that day we were invited back for some low-key driveway sparklers, poppers, and other exploding fun things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We weren't sure if James would make it to 10pm for the city fireworks. Last year in Duluth he kinda fizzled out at that time.

We didn't know we'd have our own private show via our neighbors! Their fireworks were launched from the street directly in front of our house and they seemed to explode right over our heads! The kids were thrilled! Exclaiming and running around wildly!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And at the same time we could see the city fireworks in the distance. Actually, there were several sets of fireworks. I don't think we could have asked for more!

 

 

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The Gang

Just one or two days later...

 

 

 

The play moved over a little further to a few yards down. I could see and hear them if I sat on the deck. I tried not to be a worried, hovering Mom.

 

And then the gang got bigger and added a few girls! They only pop in every once in a while but they make the Nerf battles interesting.

 

Something else that made things interesting- Jim got James' garage sale find working!

 

 

Look out! The gang is heavily armed!

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Standing guard

 

 

So the next morning, after discovering a world of playmates, James stood guard on our front steps waiting for kids to come out and play. I think he would have gone outside at 7am to wait for friends!

 

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Our yard is alive with the sounds of Nerf play

One night it seemed as if all the neighbor kids decided to be outside, all at once. James hadn't met any of them (they are in the newly constructed houses) and so he was naturally shy and hanging back. I tried to encourage him to go outside too but no.

One of the Dads was outside too and I told Jim that if he went over and said hello, James would follow and then fall into playing naturally. Yup!

 

And off they go!

 

 

 

 

And he's been playing outside ever since! It's been the Summer of Nerf!

 

 

 

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